Swimming Pool Landscaping: What plants to avoid

The Landscaping and plant life around your swimming pool can have a big impact on your backyard oasis. When you discuss the different options of the right swimming pool for your needs, don’t forget to consider the surroundings.

First of all, there are certain trees and shrubbery that you should avoid. Think of falling leaves or pine needles, which will make the pool cleaning really hard. Some fruit- or berry-bearing shrubs will lead to staining and thick spreading roots can even lead to structural damage. Some trees to avoid for their extensive root system are Mulberries, Willows, Silver Maple, and American Elm trees. The Arbor Day Foundation is a great source to research different trees.

Another bad choice are pollinating and fruit bearing trees and shrubs, which will most probably attract bees and other unwanted insects.

In order to keep the maintenance low and avoid possible filtration repairs, it is best not to plant blades of grass, acorns, pine needles, oak leaves and especially any kind of berries around your swimming pool. Pine needles and small leaves might slip through your simmer net and any kind of organic debris will add phosphates to your pool, which can lead to algae and problems with the water balance.

Jamie Snyder from The Albert Landscaping Group recommends keeping it clean and simple. A stamped concrete or any other non-organic surface around the pool is safer, cleaner and requires much lower maintenance than any kind of splurging greenery.

Integrate flowerbeds in the retaining wall. Choose daylilies, zinnias and ornamental grasses or low maintenance bushes. Contact Jamie Snyder to discuss the best landscaping options for your backyard oasis.